A knife-wielding man went on a rampage near Ruolan Primary School in Leiyang, Hunan Province, China, leaving two people dead and three others injured. The incident occurred in the early evening and has triggered renewed concerns about public safety near educational institutions.

The 31-year-old suspect, Duan Chao, reportedly launched the attack without warning at around 6:00 p.m. in the Caizichi Subdistrict. Witnesses said he emerged from a street intersection, began slashing at bystanders near the school gate, and then proceeded to a nearby mahjong parlour, where he continued the assault before being arrested by police.

Panic and Tragedy Near School Zone

Local media outlets, including Jimu News, reported that the attacker targeted pedestrians indiscriminately. Some victims were parents waiting to pick up their children, while others were bystanders caught in the chaos. Eyewitnesses described the scene as one of terror, with several people screaming and running for safety.

Police acted swiftly and managed to subdue and arrest the assailant before further harm could be done. Authorities confirmed the suspect’s identity and stated that all injured victims have been hospitalised and are in stable condition.

Investigations are currently ongoing to determine the motive behind the attack. Early indications suggest that the suspect acted alone, and there is no known link to terrorism or organised crime.

Safety Warnings and Rising Security Concerns in Asia

This violent incident comes amid a wave of public safety threats in parts of Asia, prompting concerns over the security of school zones and public spaces. Knife attacks, though less common than gun violence in Western countries, are a growing issue in several regions of China due to strict firearm laws.

With the rise in unpredictable attacks, travel safety alerts have become more prominent. While the current incident does not involve tourists, such events contribute to growing anxiety surrounding public safety in popular Chinese cities and towns.

Singaporeans travelling to China for business or education are advised to remain vigilant in public spaces and follow updates from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This latest tragedy underlines the importance of proactive security planning, mental health intervention, and swift law enforcement response in reducing threats to public life.

As families mourn the victims of the Leiyang attack, the spotlight now falls on the need for heightened safety measures around schools—not just in China, but across Asia.